According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 16% of U.S. adults take prescription medication for their mental health. (1) If you take or are interested in taking medication, you’re definitely not alone, and there’s nothing to be ashamed of. Medication is one of the most effective treatments available for many different mental health conditions, including anxiety (2), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), (3) depression (4), and more.
Therapist Rychel Johnson, who works with individuals living with anxiety and depression, says, “Many people who have one or more mental health conditions could benefit from a combination of therapy and medication to most effectively treat their symptoms. Medication can be helpful long-term or to help achieve a sense of stability for shorter-term concerns.”
Many choices on this list are not an online mental health platform but an online marketplace that lists providers available to you. They facilitate access to therapists; they do not directly provide the best online therapy services. This distinction ensures users have broader access to qualified mental health professionals, enhancing overall availability and choice.
While it’s not appropriate for every situation, using an online psychiatry provider—also called telepsychiatry (5)—can often be more affordable and convenient than finding an in-person psychiatrist. Many online psychiatrists accept your insurance plan and offer same-day appointments. If you need rapid care or you’re dealing with mild to moderate symptoms, then telepsychiatry could be a good option for you.
Best online psychiatrist overall
Brightside Health offers online psychiatry services for an out-of-pocket cost of $95 per month. You can also use your insurance plan to cover the cost.
Our picks for the best online psychiatrist
- Best overall: Brightside Health
- Easiest onboarding: Talkspace
- Best for using insurance: Talkiatry
- Best for no insurance: Sesame
- Best for choosing your provider: Zocdoc
- Best budget: LiveHealth Online
- Best app: Doctor on Demand
- Best for kids: MDLive
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| Brightside Health | Talkspace | Talkiatry | Sesame | Zocdoc | LiveHealth Online | Doctor on Demand | MDLive | |
| Rating | ||||||||
| Session type | Psychiatry and therapy | Psychiatry and therapy | Psychiatry | Psychiatry and therapy | Psychiatry and therapy | Psychiatry and therapy | Psychiatry and therapy | Psychiatry and therapy |
| Cost | $95/month | $299 evaluation, $175/follow-up session | Copay varies | $43+ | Varies by provider | $185 initial evaluation, $80/follow-up session | $299 initial evaluation, $129/follow-up session | $284 initial evaluation, $108/follow-up session |
| Accepts insurance | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Subscription | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No | No | No |
Best online psychiatrist overall: Brightside Health
Key product features
What you should know
Brightside Health is an online mental health platform that provides both psychiatry and therapy services.
- Brightside’s psychiatrists prescribe medications to aid in the treatment of depression and anxiety. They do not prescribe any controlled substances.
- Brightside’s psychiatry-only subscription costs $95 per month. You can also use insurance to lower the cost.
- Brightside’s services are available for people who live with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and more.
- Its unique AI prescribing tool, PrecisionRx, evaluates 1000+ medication/dosage combinations to find the right medication for you.
- Brightside accepts Medicare and Medicaid in select states.
Why we like Brightside as best overall
Brightside’s psychiatry services are a step above the rest. Typically, psychiatric medication and dosage are chosen through a trial-and-error process. Many medications are helpful, but what’s effective for one person may not be effective for another. In addition, some people are more tolerant of side effects than others. This can make finding the right medication and dosage a confusing and lengthy process for many.
Brightside has developed its PrecisionRx artificial intelligence model to combat this. It tracks over 100 patient pain points and reviews thousands of medication and dosage combinations to find the right fit for every patient. According to Brightside, this takes the guesswork out of prescribing.
One study found that this prescribing model helped 75% of Brightside’s patients achieve remission from anxiety and depression. It should be noted that all four of the study’s authors are associated with Brightside itself. (6)
Brightside’s online psychiatry services are also more affordable than other options. If you only need psychiatry services, you can get access for just $95 a month out-of-pocket; going through insurance can bring this price down further. Brightside is also the only option on this list that accepts Medicaid (select states only), which makes its affordable online therapy options accessible even to low-income individuals.
By addressing systemic inequalities, Brightside is able to help address the additional strain placed on individuals dealing with financial limits.
“Living with low income can severely impact one’s physical and mental health. It’s crucial that people have access to care through a platform like Brightside.”
Rychel Johnson, Therapist and medical reviewer
Brightside Health isn’t perfect—many former patients report being overcharged in online reviews—but in terms of cost and effectiveness, it is superior to many other online psychiatry providers.
To learn more about this platform, visit our full Brightside review.
What customers are saying
Overall, Brightside users say that being prescribed medication is simple and quick. One Reddit user with the username “Glitch_beast” states, “I signed up for it. I had a video conference consult to discuss my problems, background, and history. Then he mailed out a script the next day.”
“I went to my PCP, who had been prescribing my medication, and told her it’s time to get back to a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, the waitlist is months, if not a year, away. I was reluctant to see an online psychiatrist, but I couldn’t wait. [Brightside] connected me to someone within three days. “
—“Riles216”, Apple Store App user
Many negative reviews about Brightside Health are about individual providers. For example, one former patient reports a negative experience with a Brightside psychiatrist who was late to their appointment. According to Apple App Store user “Cosmo Nation”: “I had a meeting with my provider—I waited 15 minutes—then she finally joined the meeting—by this time, I was aggravated that she couldn’t join at the appointment time… If I am expected to join the meeting on time, is it wrong to have the same expectation for them?”
In addition, some people state that they were over- or mistakenly charged for Brightside’s services. Joseph G. on Trustpilot says: “I was told I would not be charged for a short consult by the psychiatrist because I refused medication. The therapist did nothing. I paid for the therapist and canceled. [I was] billed again seven months after service cancelled. Making my mental health worse.”
Specs
| Price | $95/month |
| Commercial insurance | Yes |
| Medicare/Medicaid | Yes |
| Controlled substances | No |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video |
| Therapy | Yes |
| Age | 18+ (adults only) |
Easiest onboarding online psychiatrist: Talkspace
Key product features
What you should know
Talkspace accepts most commercial insurance plans, so receiving the psychiatric support you need is easy and affordable.
- Talkspace offers both therapy and psychiatry services that are covered by insurance.
- The average copay for covered patients is less than $30. Out-of-pocket costs are much higher for people without insurance.
- Talkspace’s providers prescribe medications for depression, anxiety, and more. They do not prescribe any controlled substances (stimulants or sedatives).
- You will work with the same provider throughout your treatment.
Why we like Talkspace as easiest onboarding
Talkspace is mostly known as an online therapy provider; many may not know that, since 2018, it’s also provided psychiatry services. If you’re using your insurance plan to pay for psychiatric support, then Talkspace may be your best bet. For more options, you can also browse our article on the best online therapy services for insurance.
Talkspace connects you with psychiatric providers that can prescribe medications for depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more. Note that, like most other providers on this list, they do not prescribe any medications on the controlled substances list, including stimulant ADHD medications. If you need medication to manage ADHD, then Talkspace may not be a good choice for you.
Talkspace accepts most commercial insurance plans, including Aetna, Cigna, Optum, and more. The average copay for its covered users is $30, and some can even receive free psychiatry services.
However, we found its out-of-pocket pricing information confusing. Some pages on its website state that out-of-pocket monthly costs range from $60 to $100, but others clearly list the price for an initial psychiatric evaluation as $299 ($175 for follow-up sessions). Because of these inconsistencies, it’s best to use insurance when using Talkspace.
On top of psychiatry, Talkspace also offers individual and couples therapy and teen counseling. Research shows that a combination of therapy and medication is the best treatment for most mental health disorders (7), so if your insurance plan covers Talkspace, consider taking advantage of all of its services.
Check out our full Talkspace review for more information.
What customers are saying
Many people are happy with their Talkspace experience, especially when matched with a competent provider. Most say they enjoy the comfort and ease of connecting with Talkspace providers, with one patient saying that Talkspace has been a “game-changer” for them.
“Having this level of access so quickly was a truly life-changing experience. I have recommended Talkspace to my primary care doctor to share with any other patients who may be struggling to make their way up the waitlist or find someone who is accepting new patients.”
—Erin T., Trustpilot reviewer
Others, however, state that the Talkspace platform and billing system are difficult to use.
Trustpilot reviewer April L. states, “My time with Talkspace proved to be more stressful and financially draining than beneficial. The platform’s shortcomings in scheduling, insurance coverage, and therapist reliability make it an unreliable option for individuals with busy lifestyles.” Many others claim that they were made to believe their insurance covered Talkspace services when, in reality, they did not.
Specs
| Price | Varies with copay; $175 out-of-pocket |
| Commercial insurance | Yes |
| Medicare/Medicaid | No |
| Controlled substances | No |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video |
| Therapy | Yes |
| Age | 13+ (teens and adults) |
Best online psychiatrist for using insurance: Talkiatry
Key product features
What you should know
Talkiatry is an online platform that can connect you with hundreds of board-certified psychiatrists across the country.
- People with ADHD and other mental health disorders can get prescriptions for controlled substance medications, including Adderall® and Xanax®, through Talkiatry.
- Its services are covered by 60+ commercial insurance plans. It does not accept uninsured patients.
- Talkiatry is only available in 43 states.
- Child and adolescent psychiatrists are available for kids over the age of five.
Why we like Talkiatry as best for using insurance
Unlike many other options on this list, Talkiatry providers offer prescriptions for all types of medications, including those listed as “controlled substances,” for those who need them.
Research shows that these medications are the most effective treatments for specific conditions. For example, the most effective treatments for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), by far, are stimulant medications like Adderall® and Ritalin®. (8) Unfortunately, people without these disorders frequently abuse these medications, which has led many online providers to be unable to prescribe them ethically.
Prescribing controlled substances online is, understandably, a fraught issue in the medical field, with many experts stating it should never be done. On the other hand, if you live with ADHD and need a medication refilled, this can put you in a tight spot.
“Some of my clients have had to miss work or school because of withdrawal effects they experienced from not having access to a refill. Online psychiatry can be helpful, provided that screening for safe use of medications is involved.”
—Rychel Johnson, Therapist and medical reviewer
It’s outside of the scope of this article to decide whether it’s ethical, but we think it’s essential for users to know that they can access needed medication on the Talkiatry platform. Keep in mind that, especially if you’re looking for an ADHD assessment and diagnosis, it’s best to speak to a local psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD.
Talkiatry is available in 43 states across the U.S. and accepts over 60 commercial insurance plans. No private pay option is available, so if you don’t have insurance, you won’t be able to use this service.
Read our full Talkiatry review for more information.
What customers are saying
Most Talkiatry users appear to be happy with the service itself. Many say they made a positive connection with their assigned providers.
“I had my first appointment mid-October, and it truly could not have gone better. I’m unsure if I was lucky in my psych selection, but he listened to every concern I had and empathized with my difficulty finding a provider who would listen to me. He ran through the basics to reconfirm, and we reviewed my medical history. He sent me on my way, and we made a plan for medication management.”
—“CheeseNDrinks”, Reddit user
Many users also state that they received a thorough assessment before being prescribed ADHD medication, with some users reporting that their initial appointments were an hour long.
Most of the negative reviews concern the billing and customer service departments. On Trustpilot, Talkiatry has earned a meager 1.5/5 star rating. One reviewer, Peyton G., provides a possible explanation for the poor reputation: “Before signing up with them I called to confirm they took my insurance and were ‘in-network’, as they widely claim all over their website. However…it turns out the doctor is in network but apparently Talkiatry is out of network. I’m appealing the claim but they are giving me the run-around.”
Specs
| Price | Depending on copay |
| Commercial insurance | Yes |
| Medicare/Medicaid | No |
| Controlled substances | Yes |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video |
| Therapy | No |
| Age | 5+ (children, teens, and adults) |
Best online psychiatrist without insurance: Sesame Care
Key product features
What you should know
Sesame Care providers offer psychiatry, individual and couples therapy, and other health services for those without insurance.
- Costs vary depending on your chosen provider, but a subscription to Sesame Plus gets you a discount.
- Providers on Sesame Care do not accept insurance.
- You can also connect with urgent care and weight loss providers on Sesame.
- Although the website states that individual and couples therapy are available, reviewers found a lack of providers in several states for these services.
Why we like Sesame Care for those without insurance
Sesame Care is an online marketplace of health providers, including psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners, who can assess and prescribe medications. Many psychiatry providers offer appointments within 24 hours, and you can see reviews and ratings from past patients for each provider.
None of the providers accept insurance. The out-of-pocket cost for Sesame Care varies widely because each provider sets their rates. Our reviewers found psychiatry providers with per-session costs ranging from only $43 (the minimum rate on Sesame Care) to over $200.
Because Sesame Care is a marketplace, your experience will depend greatly on your chosen provider. However, the website is simple to use and makes up-front costs easy to understand. Most providers we found listed same-day appointments; many even offered sessions within the next hour. Many providers offer very reasonable rates, making psychiatric care accessible to those without insurance.
Sesame Care lists therapy providers as well as psychiatrists. However, it’s important to note that providers are limited in some areas. When we searched across several states, we found zero therapists, individual or couples, available. Sesame may not be a good option for you if you need all-around care, but it could be helpful when you need a psychiatric prescription quickly.
What customers are saying
For general healthcare, people appear to be happy with the affordability and efficiency of Sesame. Patients love being able to see a medical provider right away (often within an hour), and many state that it’s one of the most affordable online health services out there.
People especially love Sesame when they need a prescription refill and their regular doctors don’t have any appointments available. From what we see, almost no one uses Sesame for long-term care. Perhaps this patient, Peter H. on Trustpilot, describes it best: “Each provider was helpful, attentive, a good listener, and good at diagnosing. Some medical and medication things that confront us clearly do not require “in-person” visits; some do. For the former category, I like this company.”
Specs
| Price | Starts at $43/session; depends on the provider |
| Commercial insurance | No |
| Medicare/Medicaid | No |
| Controlled substances | No |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video |
| Therapy | Yes, but providers are limited |
| Age | All ages |
Best online psychiatrist for choosing your own provider: ZocDoc
Key product features
What you should know
ZocDoc is an expansive marketplace of health providers, including physicians, nurse practitioners, psychiatrists, licensed counselors, and more.
- You can pay for ZocDoc sessions through private pay or filter providers by the ones who accept your insurance.
- Pricing varies by provider. There are no upfront or membership fees for using the platform.
- Finding a provider is easy; simply enter your zip code and the type of service you’re looking for (in this case, “psychiatry”) and get immediate access to providers in your area.
- Many providers have same-day availability. A vast majority of them are available within one or two days.
- Unlike other platforms on this list, ZocDoc had plentiful provider options for psychiatry and therapy.
Why we like ZocDoc for choosing your own psychiatrist
ZocDoc shows you all of the providers in your area and allows you to choose between them. If you’re looking for a psychiatrist, simply type in “psychiatrist” and your zip code; ZocDoc’s easy-to-use platform will show you appropriate providers with upcoming availability.
Feel free to browse through available providers to choose the one that feels like the best fit for you and your needs. You can look through previous patients’ reviews of them, quickly check to see if they’re in-network with your insurance plan, and browse their calendars to choose a convenient time. You can also see providers’ full names before booking, which allows you to perform perfunctory Google searches to look for additional reviews.
ZocDoc also lives up to its claims; while searching various areas, we saw that providers were plentiful for both psychiatry and therapy. Some providers on ZocDoc may also be willing to prescribe controlled ADHD medications, although you should ask each provider to be sure.
ZocDoc’s platform is easy to navigate, but you’ll have to do some digging to see each provider’s rates. Click on the provider’s name; after scrolling down, you’ll see a section titled “Out-of-pocket fees and assistance,” where rates will be published. Some providers offer sliding scale sessions, which will also be indicated in this website section.
Like other marketplace-based services, your experience with ZocDoc will depend significantly on the provider you choose—so read reviews thoroughly and schedule a time with a provider you feel confident about.
To learn more about this platform, check out our full Zocdoc review.
What customers are saying
Like Sesame, most people seem to use ZocDoc for simple physical health concerns, not mental health needs, when they can’t get into their primary care physician.
Many people love ZocDoc’s flexibility and the wide availability of their providers.
“[It’s] absolutely wonderful having this app. I love that I can choose any doctor that I want, just based on their availability. There is absolutely nothing worse than having to Google ‘doctors near me’ and having to call each individual one to find out who can or has time to see you immediately,”
—”JLavin4,” Apple App Store user
In terms of psychiatry services specifically, opinions start to falter. One ZocDoc psychiatry user on Reddit with the username “Goose_therapist” writes that the provider they were matched with was “the world’s worst psychiatrist,” explaining: “As soon as she started the session (after being 30 minutes late, mind you), not even saying her name or hello, she goes, ‘Are you looking for medication or a diagnosis or what?’… Very judge-y, no assessments or questionnaires, and hardly asked me any questions about myself.”
Specs
| Price | Depends on provider |
| Commercial insurance | No |
| Medicare/Medicaid | Yes, some providers |
| Controlled substances | Yes, some providers |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video |
| Therapy | Yes |
| Age | All ages |
Best budget online psychiatrist: LiveHealth Online
Key product features
What you should know
LiveHealth Online offers an affordable, insurance-friendly online platform for psychiatry and other medical services, but its shorter initial consultations may not suit those seeking a new mental health diagnosis.
- You can view the website or app in Spanish and be connected to Spanish-speaking providers
- LiveHealth Online’s rates for psychiatry are significantly lower than those of other platforms.
- The platform accepts many different commercial insurance plans.
- Its website states that initial psychiatry consultations are 45 minutes long; however, many online reviews state that initial appointments are only 20 minutes long.
- Signing up for LiveHealth Online is free, and there are no additional fees.
Why we like LiveHealth Online for best budget
LiveHealth Online allows you to filter through different providers, including psychiatrists, therapists, urgent care doctors, and allergy specialists. It also has a Spanish language program; you can view the website or app in Spanish and be connected to Spanish-speaking providers.
LiveHealth Online’s rates for psychiatry are significantly lower than those of other platforms. Without insurance, you can expect to pay $185 for an initial psychiatry evaluation and $80 per session for follow-up visits. Signing up for LiveHealth Online is free, with no additional fees.
The platform also accepts many commercial insurance plans. You can input your insurance information to filter providers in this way.
Its website states that initial psychiatry consultations are 45 minutes long; however, many online reviews state that initial appointments are only 20 minutes long. Keep in mind that 20 minutes is typically not long enough to make an accurate assessment of your mental health, so if you’re looking for a new diagnosis, it may be best to use another platform.
According to therapist Johnson, an appropriate session length for an accurate assessment is at least 1-2 full sessions, at 45 minutes or more each. She says, “The reality of a mental health diagnosis is that it can evolve, particularly if more than one mental health issue is present. More time may be needed to understand your symptom presentation and all the factors contributing to your concerns.”
LiveHealth Online is a reliable and affordable online psychiatry option, especially for those needing refilled medication. This platform may not provide enough support for those at the beginning of their psychiatry journeys.
What customers are saying
Although people agree that LiveHealth’s services are affordable, many have had negative experiences with the platform, resulting in a 1.2-star rating out of 5 on Trustpilot.
One Trustpilot reviewer, Sarah, states, “My provider for psychiatry was extremely rude. She told me she wouldn’t help me because I had too much going on. I was charged $40 to see her for five minutes, just for her to hang up on me. I tried to call customer service to at least try and get my $40 back, but both times I’ve called, they tell me they can’t even find the appointment on my account, so there goes my money.”
On the other hand, other reviewers advise being realistic about what an online psychiatry provider generally can and can’t do.
“People need to understand that this service is for minor/easily diagnosable medical needs. All these complaints are from people trying to use this service for severe medical conditions. Of course, the doctors will tell them they must be seen in person!”
—Jacqueline, Trustpilot reviewer
Specs
| Price | $175 for initial consultation, $80 per follow-up visit |
| Commercial insurance | Yes |
| Medicare/Medicaid | No |
| Controlled substances | No |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video |
| Therapy | Yes |
| Age | 18+ |
Best online psychiatry app: Doctor on Demand
Key product features
What you should know
Doctor on Demand’s easy-to-navigate app offers select psychiatry appointments with local providers.
- Although the list of available providers is not as extensive as other platforms, our testing found enough providers in most areas. However, provider availability may be limited in your area.
- An initial psychiatric consultation costs $299, and 15-minute follow-up appointments cost $129.
- You can bring down the cost by going through your insurance provider.
- Signing up is easy, but you must first take a short assessment before seeing available mental health providers.
- Compared to other platforms, there are fewer providers with same- or next-day availability.
Why we like Doctor on Demand for best app
Doctor on Demand is a website and app (iOS, Android) that makes it easy to schedule virtual visits with various medical providers, including psychiatrists. Signing up is easy; you only need your name, phone number, location, and insurance information (if you plan to pay with insurance).
After signing up, you can easily see your area’s psychiatric providers, available appointment times, and profiles. Unlike other marketplace apps, Doctor on Demand has consistent pricing across all providers. The initial 45-minute consultation costs $299 for psychiatry appointments, and 15-minute follow-up sessions cost $129. This is higher than other options on this list but still lower than in-person visits.
Although the app is easy to navigate, it’s unfortunate that Doctor on Demand doesn’t include patient reviews of its providers. This makes it challenging to choose which provider you want to work with. However, each provider has an extensive portfolio describing their expertise and treatment approach. We also noticed a greater number of MD psychiatrists on Doctor on Demand versus psychiatric nurse practitioners on other sites.
Keep in mind that you cannot get stimulant ADHD medication through this app; it doesn’t prescribe controlled substances.
Overall, if you’re looking for a simple and convenient approach to psychiatric treatment, Doctor on Demand can be an affordable option—especially if you’re paying with insurance.
What customers are saying
People who have used Doctor on Demand for mental health services (including psychiatry) have generally had good experiences.
“I use Doctor on Demand for both my psychiatrist and my psychologist. My psychiatrist can give me the Rx for the meds that I need and has been really great at finding the best combination of meds and doses. My psychologist has been amazing at helping me cope with everything.”
—”Independent_Art_3214,” Reddit user
Unfortunately, Doctor on Demand only has 1.3 stars on Trustpilot, mostly due to issues with billing. One patient, Janeya T., states on Trustpilot that these billing issues make the app not worth it: “Billing has always been an issue… They’re terrible and it sucks so bad because I absolutely love my therapist, but their customer service and billing make it not worth working with them anymore.”
As for the app itself, Doctor on Demand’s iOS app has earned an impressive 4.9-star rating on the Apple store.
Specs
| Price | $299 for an initial consultation, $129 for follow-up appointments |
| Commercial insurance | Yes |
| Medicare/Medicaid | Yes |
| Controlled substances | No |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video |
| Therapy | Yes |
| Age | All ages with parent attendance |
Best online psychiatrist for kids: MDLive
Key product features
What you should know
MDLive is an online health platform that can connect you and your child to a wide range of medical providers, including psychiatrists and counselors.
- MDLive can connect you or your child with psychiatrists who can prescribe medication for depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. Controlled substance prescriptions are not available.
- An initial psychiatric consultation appointment on MDLive costs $284, and follow-ups cost $108.
- Children aged 10 and up can receive psychiatric support from MDLive providers.
- You can use commercial insurance or some Medicare plans to pay for MDLive appointments.
- From our review, most psychiatrists had availability within 2-3 days.
Why we like MDLive as best for kids
Online psychiatry can offer life-saving support for children who suffer from mental health conditions (and their parents). According to the CDC, nearly 10% of American children aged 5 to 17 take medication for their mental health. (9) The administration of psychiatric medications for children is common enough that having resources to support accurate diagnosis and prescription services is crucial. While many platforms on this list do not serve minors, MDLive provides psychiatric support for children over the age of 10.
When using MDLive for your child, you must be present with your child at the beginning of the initial session to give your consent. The provider may ask you to step away for the remainder of the session to protect your child’s confidentiality.
MDLive psychiatrists can offer prescriptions for medications used to treat pediatric depression, anxiety, OCD, and more. If your child needs ADHD medication, keep in mind that MDLive providers cannot prescribe controlled substances like Adderall® or Ritalin®.
After signing up, a relatively straightforward process, you can choose a psychiatric provider from the list. Our testing found that the availability wasn’t extensive, but most metropolitan areas have at least a few providers. Unfortunately, MDLive doesn’t offer patient reviews for its providers, but you can read their profiles. If you choose not to go through insurance, the cost for an initial consultation is $284, and follow-up appointments are $108, comparable to or less than other options on this list.
Generally, if your child is struggling with their mental health, it may be best to talk to their pediatrician and get a referral. Online psychiatry options may not be thorough enough to assess their needs adequately. But if your child is having a mental health emergency or if they need a refill on their previously prescribed medication, then MDLive can be a convenient option.
To learn more, visit our full guide on the best online therapy for kids.
What customers are saying
Clients have had varied experiences with MDLive for psychiatry based on where they live and the availability of providers in their area. One patient on Reddit with the username “Unyx” states that, overall, it’s been a positive experience: “I see my psychiatrist through MDLive, and it’s been great. I did see a therapist through it for a while, although I don’t currently. The platform itself is fine, but I didn’t have a ton of options for therapists. It probably varies based on what state you live in, though.”
“It’s hard to beat the convenience of seeing a therapist from home, not to mention the fact that there’s no copay. At least in my state, Florida, there are a ton of therapists available with appointments on weekdays, weekends, and nights.”
—”Ctnnb1-Dad,” Reddit user
Other users stated that their evaluations were not thorough enough to diagnose them. Another Reddit user, “WalterTheHedgehog,” says, “I paid almost $300 out of pocket for an evaluation. It took 20 minutes… I do NOT feel this was sufficient time to accurately diagnose someone. It could be very dangerous. It felt pretty rushed, and she asked me very little.”
Especially when it comes to your child, it’s important to connect with a psychiatric provider who you feel was thorough about their evaluation and diagnosis, regardless of the platform you choose. In addition, many reviews of MDLive say that despite claiming to treat children, many providers were reluctant to prescribe them medication and sent them to the emergency room or in-person providers instead.
Specs
| Price | $284 initial consultation |
| Commercial insurance | Yes |
| Medicare/Medicaid | Yes |
| Controlled substances | No |
| Treatment delivery | 1:1 video |
| Therapy | Yes |
| Age | 10+ |
Our online therapy services testing methodology
Every Fortune teletherapy review features in-depth analyses conducted by reviewers with first-hand mental health experience. Qualified mental health experts then review the information to check for accuracy. All the claims are backed by scientific evidence. Read more about Fortune’s teletherapy testing methodology here.
Therapist quality—30%
A top-notch teletherapy service should feel both personal and professional, not impersonal or generic. It should connect users with certified and experienced therapists, not unqualified individuals. Here’s what we look for:
- Expertise
- Personalization
- Interaction quality
Accessibility and convenience—30%
Teletherapy directly impacts an individual’s ability to seek, engage with, and benefit from mental health services. Everyone’s situation is different, whether it’s a scheduling issue, lack of transportation, or being physically unable to see a therapist in person. With the convenience of teletherapy being a significant advantage, we evaluate:
- Ease of use
- Availability
- Platform reliability
Cost and value—20%
Unfortunately, mental health services are not a financial privilege for most people who don’t have insurance that covers it. In an era where mental health care is more necessary, yet often more expensive than ever, assessing the cost-effectiveness of teletherapy services becomes not just relevant but essential.
Here’s what we factor into a teletherapy’s cost and value rating:
- Pricing transparency
- Insurance and coverage
- Value for money
Support and resources—10%
Having additional support and resources is invaluable for clients seeking to deepen their understanding of mental health issues, learn additional coping strategies, or continue therapeutic work in between sessions. Beyond the therapy sessions, additional support can enhance the therapeutic experience.
Our factors in this rating include:
- Supplementary materials
- Customer support
- Aftercare
Privacy and security—10%
While teletherapy is an incredibly convenient way to seek mental health, it poses some risks. Maintaining client confidentiality and data security is paramount in teletherapy. As clients entrust teletherapy services with their mental health information, stories, and vulnerabilities, the responsibility of these platforms to protect such information is paramount.
Here’s what we’re looking for:
- Compliance with HIPAA and data protection laws
- Encryption and security measures
- Anonymity options
How does online psychiatry work?
Seeing an online psychiatrist is just like seeing a psychiatrist in person. The only difference is that, with online psychiatry, you’ll log on to a secure virtual platform for your appointment. For in-person psychiatry, you visit the provider’s physical office space or medical clinic.
The above online psychiatry platforms make scheduling an appointment with a psychiatrist easy. Some platforms match you with a psychiatrist, while others allow you to choose. Before your appointment, you will be given clear instructions about logging in.
During the initial consultation, your online psychiatrist will ask you questions about your medical history, mental health symptoms, and any other psychiatric medications you may have taken before. They will ask you whether you’re allergic to any medications and if you’ve ever experienced any side effects with past medications.
When they have enough information, your online psychiatrist will write you a prescription for the psychiatric medication that they believe will work best for you. Typically, you’ll start your medication on a lower dose that will be increased over time. This helps you tolerate the medication with as few side effects as possible.
Do Medicare and Medicaid cover online psychiatry?
Medicare Plan B covers many of the online psychiatry providers on this list. The only platform covering Medicaid (in some states) is Brightside Health, our pick for the best online psychiatry program.
This doesn’t necessarily mean that no other online psychiatry providers accept Medicaid. The best way to find covered providers is to speak to your Medicaid office or social worker. They can give you information on online psychiatry services that may or may not be covered.
How to choose an online psychiatrist
It’s important to choose an online psychiatrist that can provide you with what you need. For example, if you’re looking for medication specifically, then keep in mind that only medical providers (like psychiatrists, physician’s assistants, and psychiatric nurse practitioners) can prescribe medication for you. In addition, many online psychiatrists don’t prescribe controlled substances like Xanax® or Adderall®.
You can also consider looking for an online psychiatrist specializing in the areas where you need support. You’ll see that many online psychiatrists claim to specialize in every area of behavioral health. However, the more specific their area of expertise is, the more tailored the services may be. For example, if you’re looking for ADHD support, then it’s best to work with an online psychiatrist who specializes in ADHD.
FAQs
Are online psychiatrists effective?
Research shows that online mental health support is as effective as in-person support. (10) Not only is it just as effective, but it can also be more convenient and affordable. However, keep in mind that it typically takes some time, and often some dosage or prescription changes, to see the effect of psychiatric medication.
Do online psychiatrists prescribe medication?
Yes. Online psychiatrists, like in-person psychiatrists, perform evaluations for the primary purpose of prescribing medications. Some online psychiatrists may not prescribe all types of medication; for example, many online psychiatrists aren’t able to prescribe controlled substance medications, like stimulants (like Adderall®) or sedatives (like Xanax®).
Is online psychiatry as effective as in-person psychiatry?
Yes. According to research, online mental health care is as effective as in-person support.
Who would benefit from online psychiatry?
You can benefit from online psychiatry if you struggle with mental health symptoms like depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, insomnia, and more. For example, you can check out our list of online therapy for anxiety for a more detailed look at what might work for you. If you experience severe symptoms, have been hospitalized for mental health concerns in the past, or are having thoughts of hurting yourself or others, it’s best not to wait for an online psychiatry provider and contact emergency services instead.
Do I need a referral for an online psychiatrist?
Typically, you don’t need a referral for an online psychiatrist. You can use any of the options on our list without a referral. Depending on your insurance coverage, you may need a referral for some online psychiatrists.
Our experts
Rychel Johnson
Rychel Johnson, M.S., LCPC, is a licensed clinical professional counselor in Kansas. She owns a private practice specializing in anxiety treatment and social skills development. Rychel also enjoys extensive road trips and spending time with her husband, daughter, and two cats.
Krista Manning
Krista Manning is an accomplished medical copy editor and fact-checker who stands out in the pharmaceutical, health, and wellness domains. With a meticulous eye for detail and a command of medical language, Krista ensures the accuracy and clarity of content. Beyond her professional expertise, Krista is an advocate for mental health awareness. Recognizing the crucial intersection of psychological and physical well-being, she actively contributes to projects that promote mental health awareness within the healthcare narrative. Krista’s commitment extends beyond the pages she edits, emphasizing the holistic nature of health communication.
Saya Des Marais, MSW
Fortune Recommends Mental Health Writer
About Author
Saya is a former therapist, mental health trainer, and freelance mental health writer. She holds a graduate degree in clinical social work from the University of Southern California, and has provided mental health services in community mental health clinics, schools, residential treatment facilities, and, most recently, a mental health app. Through her mental health content, she strives to make life-saving mental health research and information easily digestible to those who need it most.